What to expect

Unsure of what to expect when you become a puppy carer? The following information will hopefully answer most of your questions.

What we provide for puppy caring

Puppy Carers wil receive the following items to help them on their Puppy Caring journey:

A puppy pack, which includes collar, lead, bed, bowl, food and everything needed for when your puppy arrives home

You will receive free dry dog food for your puppy thanks to ROYAL CANIN®, providing the best possible health nutrition

Paid vet care at SEDA approved clinic

Training Manual prior to placement of puppy outlining training methods and what they need to learn

Regular visits from a supervisor to assist in all aspects of puppy training and development

Supervisor on call should you require assistance

Boarding facilities at SEDA should they be needed, eg if you are going on holidays

Frequently asked questions on puppy caring

Can I have other pets and still puppy care?

Provided the other pets are of a suitable temperament, they are permitted and can be beneficial to a SEDA puppy by assisting with their socialisation.

However, only one other pet dog in addition to the SEDA puppy is allowed per household. Pet dogs need to be assessed prior to placement of a puppy.

Can I take the puppy into shops and other public areas?

So that a fully trained Seeing Eye Dog is comfortable travelling on public transport, entering shops and walking in crowded/noisy areas etc, it needs to experience these situations as a puppy.

Whilst out in public SEDA puppies wear a blue coat which identifies them as a Seeing Eye Dog in training. They do not have the same rights as a fully trained Seeing Eye Dog however most places welcome their presence and carers rarely experience problems taking SEDA puppies into shops etc.

Can I be a puppy carer and work?

As long as it ok with your employer that you take a puppy to work with you and there is enough time to attend to its needs during the day. We have puppies whose carers work at schools, offices, pet shops or work from home. It really depends on the type of work you do whether or not a pup will fit.

You don’t have to do much with them during the day except provide regular toilet breaks and ensure they don’t get up to mischief. They will generally sleep a lot.

Can I play games with a SEDA puppy and take it running in the park?

Games can form part of your puppies training however we don’t want them chasing toys excessively or learning things that may be in conflict with their future role as a Seeing Eye Dog.

Excessive running is not advised as this can cause joint problems as the puppy grows. A supervisor can advise what is appropriate when they visit you for an interview.

In some ways SEDA pups are less restrictive than normal pets as they can go with you almost anywhere and teaching a puppy to be well behaved and obedient should be a fun game for both puppy and carer.